On Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning …
- Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Steven Stamkos wants to remain in Tampa and believes that they can work out a contract extension. Stamkos denies there is a rift with Lightning coach Jon Cooper, and added that his agents are “definitely still talking” with the Lightning.
“Like I’ve always said, I envision myself winning a championship here and want to do that,” Stamkos told the Tampa Bay Times on Saturday. “Obviously (we) got close last year, and I’m the captain of this team, and I want to be that leader.”
There have been lots of reports that Stamkos won’t be with the Lightning next year. Stamkos said that he hasn’t decided that.
“Not even close. That’s why people say, ‘I’ve got a feeling. I think, speculate.’ There’s so much information out there that’s probably false. Like the ones about my parents moving to Tampa (which Stamkos said is not true). That just comes with the territory.”
If the sides don’t reach a deal soon, there will be lots of talk around the February 29th trade deadline. Stamkos has a no-movement clause, would he waive it?
“When we cross that bridge, we’ll go over it then,” Stamkos said. “There’s still a lot of time before then. A lot of things can happen.”
On Anze Kopitar and the Los Angeles Kings …
- Emily Sadler of Sportsnet: Anze Kopitar and the LA Kings appear to be close on a contract extension according to Elliotte Friedman.
“One of the hangups was believed to be a no-move or no-trade clause,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted during Saturday’s Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. “But whatever the solution is there, we understand it’s been reached, and it’s no longer an issue.”
The contract will likely be eight-years and less than Jonathan Toews’ and Patrick Kane’s $10.5 million cap hit.